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Book Review: Dawn Study (Soulfinders) by Maria V. Snyder

Dawn Study is the third book in the Soulfinders series by Maria V. Snyder. It could also be considered the sixth book in the Study series, or the ninth book in the larger Chronicles of Ixia series. You can read each sub series on its own, but I highly recommend reading them all to get the bigger picture.

Despite the odds, Yelena and Valek have forged an irrevocable bond and a family that transcends borders. Now, when their two homelands stand on the brink of war, they must fight with magic and cunning to thwart an Ixian plot to invade Sitia. Yelena seeks to break the hold of the insidious Theobroma that destroys a person's resistance to magical persuasion. But the Cartel is determined to keep influential citizens and Sitian diplomats in thrall and Yelena at bay. With every bounty hunter after her, Yelena is forced to make a dangerous deal. With might and magic, Valek peels back the layers of betrayal surrounding the Commander. At its rotten core lies a powerful magician and his latest discovery. The fate of all rests upon two unlikely weapons. One may turn the tide. The other could spell the end of everything.

Dawn Study picks up right where Night Study left off. Yelena and Valek have to deal with the dangers of the political intrigue that has been such a big part of their lives, along with the changes in their magical abilities. They are both also struggling with their need to keep each other, and everyone else safe- while trusting those in their confidence to do what they do best. The book is as much about overcoming the odds and power hunger people as it is about the emotional growth they make. I love the way Snyder keeps everything so well balanced between the physical and emotional danger each character faces. As always, Yelena and Valek and their herd are some of my favorite characters- but I still love seeing those from the Glass and Story storylines all come together in the larger story line.

Dawn Study is another book that sat in my to read pile much longer than intended. It took me a bit to feel like I remember all that I had read previously, but once I was past the first chapter I was completely lost in the story again, and loving the continued adventures of Valek and Yelena. I did not find it as perfect as some of the Ixia books, but it will still be a must read for fans, and is still a good read. Also, I loved those other books so much that they were a tough act to follow.